Trip Summary

An epic adventure along Australia’s beautiful east coast, this trip will take you on an immense journey from cosmopolitan city centres, through the country’s iconic outback, to stunning surf havens, rich landscapes, and gorgeous tropical islands. You’ll squelch grapes in the famous Hunter Wine Valley, get your surf on at Crescent Head, explore Fraser Island by four-wheel-drive, and snorkel through the Great Barrier Reef. You’ll get a taste for the outback on a ranch cattle station, learn about Australia’s indigenous culture, and get to trek through some of the most breathtaking landscape in the world. This is an experience for both adventurers and culture seekers alike, with plenty to keep sun-worshippers and party-goers happy, too.

Interested and want to find out more? Download more trip information and detailed itinerary HERE!

Trip Info

Day 1: Sydney to Crescent Head
It’s an early start on day one with pick up at 7am, but you’ll be able to kick back and relax taking in the sights along the Pacific Highway from the tour bus. We’ll stop off at Hunter Valley to partake in some traditional grape pressing and sample some of the region’s famous wine before making tracks and heading to our retreat at Crescent Head for dinner.

Day 2: Crescent Head to Byron Bay
Straight onto the beach this morning, we’ll start the day with a private surfing lesson and put our new skills to the test in the bay at Crescent Head – one of the best surf beaches in Australia. Afterwards we’ll chill around the BBQ for a well-deserved lunch break, before making our way through Coffs Harbour to beautiful Byron – a laidback town with a bohemian vibe and stunning, far-reaching views of the coast.

Day 3: Byron Bay
Today we’ll walk through town to discover Byron’s best bits, but the rest of the day is yours to explore in your own time. Byron’s beaches are perfect for surfing, so put your new skills to good use, or why not go diving, or rent a kayak to paddle with the dolphins along the sweeping coastline? If you’re happier on dry land, you could simply chill on the beach, or go and take a look at the artisan shops in town, have a nosy through the local galleries, or take a scenic walk to the lighthouse at Cape Byron for incredible views across the Pacific.

Day 4: Byron Bay to Gold Coast
Today we’re heading to the sunshine state of Queensland, stopping off at Springbrook National Park on the way to admire the view of the vast and diverse UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll dip our toes in the icy waters at Natural Bridge – a picturesque group of rock formations set around a waterfall, and drive through Numinbah Valley and Nerang before arriving at uber-cool city, Surfers Paradise in the evening for an awesome night out.

Day 5: Gold Coast to Fraser Island
From Surfers Paradise we’ll head north to Brisbane, the capital of Queensland, and take in the sights of this amazing place with a walking tour around the city centre. From Brisbane we’ll jump on a ferry to make our crossing to the world’s largest sand island – Fraser island. Our accommodation is nestled amid the lush vegetation of the peaceful eucalypt forest, so once we’ve checked in and explored the area we’ll relax in the evening watching the sunset while we dine.

Day 6: Fraser Island
We’ve got an action-packed day lined up today, starting with a 4WD tour through the National Park. We’ll drive along Seventy-Five Mile Beach, witnessing the colourful natural sculptures of Pinnacles Coloured Sands, and the haunting remains of Maheno Shipwreck. We’ll learn about the logging history at the Central Station, and take a trek down to the scenic Eli Creek. You’ll also get the opportunity to test your balance with a stand-up paddle boarding session on the calm waters of Lake McKenzie.

Day 7: Fraser Island to Myella Farm
From golden beaches to vast outback plains – today we’ll be getting an authentic cattle station experience at our farm accommodation on Myella Farm. There’ll be time to chill out in the pool and fill up on hearty home cooked food before channelling your inner cowboy with a lesson on lassoing.

Day 8: Myella Farm to Emu Park
We’ll have fun with some optional extras on the farm this morning, whether motorbikes are your thing, or you fancy doing a little horse riding before hitting the road. We’ll stop off at Rockhampton (‘Rocky’) as we pass through the Tropic of Capricorn on the way to our accommodation at Emu’s Beach Resort back on the coast. We’ll have a go at boomerang throwing and learn about traditional totems and artefacts with an unmissable Aboriginal experience.

Day 9: Emu Park to Whitsundays
Leaving the road behind for a couple of days, we’ll board our own private yacht at Airlie Beach ready to set sail to the beautiful Whitsunday Islands. Learn the ropes and help the crew as we sail, or sit back and enjoy your luxurious surroundings as we tour the region before bunking down for our night at sea.

Day 10: Whitsundays
Waking up to the crystalline shoreline and impeccable white sand of Whitehaven Beach, today we’ll be soaking up the sunshine and snorkelling through the colourful coral reefs of Blue Pearl Bay – keep your eyes peeled for the humpheaded Maori wrasse and brightly coloured clown fish, along with hundreds of other species as you dive through the waves. Then it’s time for food on deck before sailing to the beautiful Daydream island to get settled into our tropical resort.

Day 11: Daydream Island
After an indulgent buffet breakfast, you’ll have the freedom to discover the aptly named Daydream Island at your leisure. Recharge your batteries and laze on the beach, take advantage of the numerous water sports on offer, or feed the fish from the jetty. Try a hike through the bush, get pampered in the day spa, or challenge your group to a round of mini golf. We’ll end our day in style with cocktails and canapés in the evening.

Day 12: Daydream Island to Cairns
In the morning we’ll be heading back to the mainland, sailing north and travelling from Townsville to Cairns along Bruce Highway. We’ll see the sights with a visit to the 10-metre-high ‘Big Mango’ before picking our way through the busy and colourful night markets. Afterwards you can let your hair down and enjoy the lively Cairns nightlife.

Day 13: The Great Barrier Reef
The largest living ecosystem in the world, and visible from outer space, the Great Barrier Reef is a must-see for anyone travelling to Australia. You’ll have the option to join our incredible catamaran cruise to take a closer look at the tropical underwater world below, jumping overboard for an amazing snorkelling or scuba session. Tonight we’ll regroup for a night out in Cairns.

Please note, you will need to pre-book the Great Barrier Reef day trip at the time of booking to secure your place.

Day 14: Cairns
The final day of the tour will give you the opportunity to cross some adventurous activities off your list. You might want to go white water rafting, zip-lining, bungee jumping, or sky diving. Or allow yourself some time to unwind with a gentle tour of Daintree National Park, or spend some time splashing around at the Esplanade swimming lagoon. We’ll regroup in the afternoon for a final round of group drinks before bidding farewell.

Please Note:Due to the effects of Cyclone Debbie, Daydream Island is currently closed until further notice. On day 10, you will instead return back to Airlie beach following your overnight Whitsundays trip. On day 11 you will head over to Magnetic Island and stay at a lovely island hotel. Whilst on Magnetic Island you'll enjoy a fantastic tour of Bungalow Bay Wildlife Park. Then on day 12 you will travel to Cairns and continue with the original itinerary. Please contact us for further details.

Please note: Itineraries may vary and/or attractions be substituted due to seasonal conditions and weather extremes.

Overall Rating 10/10

Alex Beesley

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Daydream island, scenic flight over Fraser Island, Byron bay

Tips for other travellers?

Don't let hangovers get in the way of activities, do as many optionals as you can and pack lightley!

sophie freeman

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

Please rate the service provided by the team in country

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Diving in the Great Barrier Reef and sailing around the Whitsundays were definitely two highlights of the tour!

Any other comments?

The tour advertised on RealGap implies that it will mainly be gap students, i.e. around the ages of 18 - 22 however on the tour the majority of my group were a lot older and not exactly what I was expected. There were a couple of people my age and I still had an amazing time I just think Real Gap and Topdeck need to ensure that the tour is advertised correctly so as not to mislead people.

olivia nightingall

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

Please rate the service provided by the team in country

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Sailing the whitsundays and snorkling in the Great Barrier Reef

Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?

A cape tribulation day tour option.
Australia Zoo in Brisbane
A theme park/activity in Surfers Paradise

Tips for other travellers?

Bring a beach towel
Try everything
Wear lots of suncream!!!

Any other comments?

You get a mixture of ages, our youngest was 18 and our oldest 34 but everyone got on fine.
If you don't like suntanning or drinking then this may not be for you as you go out a lot and spend a lot of time on the beach!

morgayanna macklem

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

Please rate the service provided by the team in country

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Highlights of my trip were definitely surfing in Crescent Head, sky diving in Byron Bay, snorkeling the great barrier reef!! And of course all the awesome people I met.

Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?

The only thing would have been maby another day for just laying on the beach, this trip was amazing!

Tips for other travellers?

1. say YES to everything!
2. pack light
3. back up cash is essential

jessica hutchison

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

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What were the highlights of your trip?

Fraser Island

Tom Skidmore

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

Please rate the service provided by the team in country

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Skydiving over Byron Bay was one of the best experiences of my life, the views of the coast were truly breathtaking. Learning to surf at Crescent Head was a brilliant day and the instructors were really knowledgeable. Scuba diving in the Great Barrier Reef in Cairns is something I can tick off my bucket list, I saw clown fish and giant clams among beautifully vibrant coral.

Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?

Couldn't have asked for more, the itinerary was filled to the brim with amazing activities.

Tips for other travellers?

Pack lightly - I took two pairs of jeans which I didn't wear as you can go out to most bars in shorts.
Take every opportunity - Money seems like a limitation, but the optional activities are incredible and I don't regret spending a penny.
Take plenty of photos - I am not the best at stopping to take photos but I am glad I did on this holiday.

Declan Mehigan

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

Please rate the service provided by the team in country

How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

Kroombit Farm and surf camp

Is there anything else you would have liked to have added to your itinerary?

No everything was well thought out and fitted in well with the time we had in each place

Tips for other travellers?

Pack less clothes than you think. Use the coach to catch up on sleep. Do as many as the optional activities as you can.

Anna Lipinski

How would you rate your overall experience?

Please rate the service received from our team before departure

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How do you rate your arrival overseas and orientation (if applicable)?

Please rate the accommodation during your stay

What were the highlights of your trip?

friendly tour leader, driver and group mates, learning about history and culture, surfing, snorkeling, sailing whitsundays and getting a free flight because of the cyclone.

Tips for other travellers?

be prepared for any weather, bring lots of spending money and don't be afraid to try new things!

Helen Goaley

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Accommodation & Meals

Your accommodation for the entirety of this trip is included and will be made up of hostels, motels, cattle stations, wilderness lodges, and even a night at sea! The number of people sharing a room will depend on the type of accommodation, but you will always share with group members of the same sex.

If you are travelling with a friend and would prefer a twin or double room, this is available at some of the locations at an extra charge – we’ll chat through the options with you when you book.

Breakfast is included every day (except on day one). Typically you’ll have a choice of cereals with milk or yoghurt, bread, spreads, fruit juice, tea and coffee. Meals that are included on the itinerary will be a combination of meals prepared by your crew, local restaurants, and the accommodation. Let us know if you have any dietary requirements when you book.

More Accommodation & Meals

Flights

You should arrange flights to ensure you arrive in Sydney (SYD) the day before this tour begins, due to the early start on day one of the itinerary. If you would like further information or would like us to recommend accommodation, please feel free to get in touch and we'll talk you through the options.

Your programme finishes at approximately 5pm on day 14 in Cairns, so you’ll need to book your return flight for the evening, or the next day and arrange accommodation in Cairns for one more night, which we can help you with.

To arrange your flights, contact our fantastic flights team on 01892 277037 or email them at [email protected] They will be able to search for the best flight offers to your chosen destinations, so you can plan and organise your trip in one place. Just make sure you give them your full name, as stated in your passport, along with your chosen departure dates, return dates, and any other details you want to include.

More Flights Info

Eligibility & FAQ's

Minimum age for this trip is 18.

All visitors to Australia (except New Zealand residents) will require a visa or Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) to enter: these must be obtained before departing. If you're planning on taking paid work whilst in Australia you'll need a Working Holiday Visa. Both types of visa can be applied for online. Please feel free to contact us if you need any more information.

What Time Does The Trip Start And End?

The trip starts at 7am on day 1, with pick up from Sydney, and ends at approximately 5pm on day 14 in Cairns, so please arrange your flights accordingly.

How Much Spending Money Should I Bring With Me?

It depends largely on the optional activities you want to take part in during the trip, but £600/1,000AUD is a good average to keep in mind and should allow for most activities as well as food and drink.

How Many People Will Be In My Group

? There will be a maximum of 36 people in your group – perfect for making plenty of friends.

Will I Be Sharing My Room With Anyone Else?

Yes, your accommodation is provided on a shared basis, numbers will vary depending on the type of accommodation, but you will always be placed with group members of the same sex. If you’re travelling with a friend, let us know when you book and we’ll make sure you stay in the same room.

Is There Anything I Need To Do Before I Travel?

Make sure you book the Great Barrier Reef day trip, £90, on day 13 before you travel, to guarantee your place.